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Cologne

Cologne was raised to a 'colony' (hence the name), with city status by the Romans in 50 AD, and was later absorbed into the Gallic Empire, becoming the capital from 260-271. The city was highly prized by both of these communities, due mainly to its location on the River Rhine, which placed it at the intersection of the major trade routes east and west, and was the basis of Cologne's growth. In addition to this, several saints were martyred in the city and the relics of the Three Magi were acquired from Milan. Cologne then also became a centre of ecclesiastical importance, as well as a pilgrimage centre, meaning the city continued to prosper in the middle ages as a result. Following a slight decline in the city's fortunes, Cologne experienced something of a renaissance in the 18th century with a recipe involving distilling flower blossoms in alcohol. This 'toilet water' achieved worldwide fame as eau de Cologne.

Although Cologne was badly damaged in the Second World War, the Cathedral survived, and extensive restoration work has since taken place throughout the city. In the modern age Cologne has reclaimed its old role as a major trade and business centre - now a radio and television metropolis, and a beer city, with over twenty breweries producing Kölsch, the distinctive local beer. Whilst in Cologne you really ought to visit the vast Cathedral. The foundation stone was laid in 1248, and it was finally completed in 1880. Called "the mother of all German churches", it is one of the largest Gothic structures ever built, and its size reflects its power - it is the seat of the Primate of Germany. The Cathedral was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 1996, and today you can see the relics of the Three Magi, and climb the south tower for a spectacular view of the city and the Rhine.

Sightseeing in Cologne
Cologne's Old Town, which has been carefully restored to preserve its pre-war appearance, is also a joy to discover. It spreads from just south of the Cathedral to the bank of the Rhine. Here you can admire the tall and narrow pastel-coloured houses, set out along the Old Town's winding streets, as you wander to the Rhine Promenade for a stroll along the river. There are many traditional brewery taverns close to the Old Town, all of which serve Kölsch beer - brewed only in Cologne. You may wish to visit at least one of these to sample the beer for yourself.

If you have the time to explore further, Cologne boasts an assemblage of both Roman and medieval remains that is unsurpassed in Germany. For example Eigelsteintor, one of the three surviving magnificent city gates, is a short distance north. The other gates, Severinstor and Hahnentor, are further afield but also worth a visit.

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23 results matching: Escorted Rail Tours to Cologne

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Zell am See
Save £100pp
4.3 stars(100 reviews)
2024MayJunJulAugSepOct
9 days from
£1,595 pp
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  • DestinationAustria
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
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Glacier Express & St Moritz
4.2 stars(73 reviews)
2024MayJunJulAugSepOct
9 days from
£3,095 pp
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9 days from
£3,095
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  • DestinationSwitzerland
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail
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Free Cabin Upgrade
9 days from
£2,395
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  • DestinationAustria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
  • AccommodationCruise
  • TransportRail, Cruise
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Save £100pp
7 days from
£1,695
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  • DestinationGermany
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
  • AccommodationCruise
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Save £100pp
7 days from
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  • DestinationGermany
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Pfalzgrafenstein Castle
Rail & Cruise
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4.8 stars(28 reviews)
2024JunJulSep
8 days from
£2,495 pp
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  • DestinationFrance, Germany, The Netherlands
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
  • AccommodationCruise
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Salzburg
Rail & Cruise
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4.2 stars(65 reviews)
2024JunJulAug
11 days from
£2,895 pp
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  • DestinationAustria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
  • AccommodationCruise
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Interlaken & the Jungfrau Express in Winter
Small Group
4.4 stars(32 reviews)
2024JanFebMar
7 days from
£1,795 pp
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7 days from
£1,795
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  • DestinationSwitzerland
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
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Danube Bend
Rail & Cruise
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4.6 stars(10 reviews)
2024JunJulAug
11 days from
£2,695 pp
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  • DestinationAustria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
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Rhine Gorge
Rail & Cruise
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4.3 stars(121 reviews)
2024MayJunJulSepOct
8 days from
£1,995 pp
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  • DestinationFrance, Germany, The Netherlands
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
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Grand Alpine Explorer
4.5 stars(16 reviews)
2024MayJunJulAugSep
14 days from
£4,195 pp
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14 days from
£4,195
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  • DestinationAustria, Germany, Switzerland
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International / London Heathrow
  • AccommodationHotel
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Free Cabin Upgrade
8 days from
£1,995
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  • DestinationAustria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia
  • Starts / EndsLondon Heathrow
  • AccommodationCruise
  • TransportFlight, Rail, Cruise
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Our customers love our Cologne tours
Austrian Alps All-Inclusive
28/Oct
Alan Bowles
5 stars
“We very much enjoyed this mini adventure, The hotel was typically Austrian - good food and comfortable. We liked the tour manager and delighted in the wonderful hotels in Mannheim and Cologne on the journeys. We think that it was a very busy holiday; we realised this I’m advance but good to know.
Collected by Trustpilot
The Majestic Rhine
14/Oct
Robert
5 stars
“Modern boat with competent staff and excellent cuisine. Good balance with excursions and free time to relax and excellent value for money. Helpful and customer focused on board tour manager..
Collected by Trustpilot
First-Class Glacier Express, Zermatt and Matterhorn
10/Oct
PorkBelly Ventures, LLC
5 stars
“It was the best trip we have ever taken. Of course, we have perfect weather throughout the trip, a great group and the BEST Tour Director in Patricia Issac.
Collected by Trustpilot
The Classic Blue Danube
25/Sep
stella lewis
5 stars
“The Amadeus crew looked after us extremely well and the ship was in pristine condition
Collected by Trustpilot
The Romantic Rhine
12/Aug
David Parmley
5 stars
“An excellent itinerary, undertaken at a relaxed and enjoyable pace.
Collected by Trustpilot
The Harz Mountains in Winter
17/Mar
Denis Horsman
5 stars
“A great trip with an exceptional tour manager
Collected by Trustpilot
Classic Glacier Express at Christmas
16/Jan
David Rose
5 stars
“As ever with Great Rail, this was a super trip with a very good tour manager - Linda. The hotels were very nice with some excellent meals. Glacier Express and Bernina Express were wonderful ways to see Switzerland. We really enjoyed the experience but a note to anyone going on a rail trip across Europe - you will have to change trains at various cities and be able to manage yourself and your bags across busy stations. We enjoy the excitement of rail travel but some folks seem surprised that a good level of mobility is required.
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Grand Alpine Explorer
5/Oct
Roger Wicker
4 stars
“Stunning scenery, excellent excursions, overall good holiday
Collected by Trustpilot
Delights of the Danube
21/Sep
Derek White
4 stars
“As we like rail travel we chose this holiday linking with a river cruise which we enjoy. This was one of your longer journeys, heading towards the cruise from Budapest. There were several holdups on the outward 2 day train journey and there was anxiety that connections would not not be made. Simon, our train courier, was excellent, keeping us up-to-date. Unfortunately we arrived too late for dinner at the NH hotel in Nuremburg and were given sandwiches instead, not a good start as we had set off early that morning. After another held-up journey to Budapest the next day we arrived at the ship late, rather exhausted. The cruise was delightful, accommodation brilliant, staff helpful, food good. We enjoyed visiting such interesting countries though we opted out of the Austrian trips to Salzburg or Austrian lakes and enjoyed a very relaxing cruise from Linz to Passau instead. The recital by the string quartet from the Vienna Philharmonic was a highlight and the musical duo were excellent too. It was unfortunate that on occasions we were moored next to another cruise ship, thereby blocking the view from our cabin. Consequently we did not stay in our cabin on Mozart deck as the moored ship next to ours made it dark. The train journey home was delayed to Brussels so we had to rush to check-in and then we were told Eurostar to St Pancras was delayed by 50 minutes. We therefore missed our rail connections and finally managed to get home by 12.30am on Saturday 9th September. We will recall the cruise and the beautiful ship with pleasure and were fortunate with the weather, but we would not consider long train journeys with various connections again, which were arduous. (We used the Baggage Man which was an excellent service.)
Collected by Trustpilot
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